Customer notifications going out in TJX breach

Millions of customers who may have had credit card information compromised by a data breach at stores owned by Framingam-based retailer TJX Cos. are being told about their rights under a proposed settlement.

A program that includes mailings and newspaper and magazine notices began Friday in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Notification was ordered by the federal court in Boston that's handling a consumer lawsuit that led to the proposed settlement.

The court hopes to reach people who made purchases or returned items at stores owned by TJX Cos., including such chains as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

The breach wasn't detected until December 2006.

A toll-free phone number has been set up for consumer information -- 1-866-523-6770 -- along with a Web site, www.TJXsettlement.com. (AP)